[The-Cardfather]

I purchased a 1997 Topps Screen Plays tin /card of Mike Piazza. (I collect Piazza.) When I initially opened the tin, everything (card and foam insert) appeared to be pristine. However, I quickly realized that the slightest touch would cause the foam insert to disintegrate (turn to powder). Trying to make the best of the situation, I figured that I would remove all of the insert material and keep the tin without it. But when I got to the bottom of the tin, I found that the foam was really stuck. I was able to eventually get it all out, but now I saw that there was a substantial amount of rust on the inside (mostly the bottom) of the tin.

Is all of this typical with this item?

I'm thinking that the person that I bought this from kept the item in a damp area (basement?), and the foam worked as a sponge to collect moisture. (But I could be wrong.)

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?